A huge parcel of land near Boyne City could come under new protection if purchased by the Little Traverse Land Conservancy.
The 650 acres would be the group’s largest single purchase of a working forest preserve in the Lower Peninsula. LTC declined to name the current owner of the land.
The area, which locals call “White Mountain,” is known for its biodiversity. It features rolling hills, deep forests, and vital wildlife habitats. From some elevated areas, you can see Lake Charlevoix and Boyne City.
“When you go to White Mountain, you see these different forest types, and openings between the forests like these gorgeous fields,” said LTC Chief Development Officer Emily Hughes. “Those are places where a lot of species thrive.”
The conservancy said it needs to meet a $3 million fundraising goal by May 31. So far it has raised $2.4 million — much of it from an anonymous, private donor.
According to Hughes, the donor’s one request was to tap the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians to name the property so it will have a name in English and Anishinaabemowin.
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect this landscape,” LTC Director of Land Protection Caitlin Donnelly said in a press release. “In a time when so much feels uncertain, conserving this land offers something enduring — something we can pass on.”
LTC officials say they were motivated by the April ice storms that ravaged northern Michigan. Fallen trees caused thousands of residents to lose power and many natural areas are still recovering from the damages.
“This storm reminded us how powerful nature can be,” said Kieran Fleming, executive director of the conservancy, in a press release. “It can be incredibly resilient if we take care of it. That’s why it matters to protect the wild places we still have. White Mountain is one of the most significant conservation opportunities in our region, and now is the time to act.”
Those interested in donating to the project can learn more on the Little Traverse Conservancy website.
